Located in Talbot County, Maryland within the Chesapeake Bay, Tilghman Island is a census-desginated place offering a variety of dining, shopping, and outdoor natural experiences in a historic, quaint island atmosphere.

  • What is the history of Tilghman Island?
    • Tilghman Island was originally known as Great Choptank Island by European settlers. In 1752, it was purchased by Matthew Tilghman, giving it its current name. The island was briefly occupied by British forces during the War of 1812 and later developed into a farming community in the 1840s. By the 1890s, the island became a hub for fishing and oystering due to the introduction of steamboat service on the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Where is Tilghman Island located?
    • Tilghman Island is located in Talbot County, Maryland, along the eastern coast of the Chesapeake Bay. It is connected to the mainland via a bridge along Maryland Route 33 over the Knapps Narrows waterway. The island is approximately two hours from Baltimore and Washington, D.C..
  • What historic attractions can visitors see on Tilghman Island?
    • Notable historic sites include:
      • Sharps Island Light – Originally built in 1838 and relocated due to erosion. The current lighthouse was constructed in 1882 and is known for its leaning structure, caused by storm damage in 1977.
      • The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
      • Other historic sites include the Paw Paw Cove Site and several historic fishing and oystering vessels.
  • What museums and cultural attractions are on Tilghman Island?
    • Tilghman Island Watermen’s Museum – Highlights the island’s fishing and oystering industry. Established in 2008, it showcases stories of local watermen and rotating exhibits of Chesapeake Bay artwork.
    • Phillips Wharf Environmental Center – Provides hands-on educational and conservation programs for visitors of all ages.
  • Where can visitors dine on Tilghman Island?
    • Popular restaurants include:
      • Marker 5 Restaurant and Tiki Bar – Serves traditional Chesapeake Bay dishes like Maryland crab soup, crab cakes, and rockfish.
      • Characters at the Bridge – Offers classic American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and seafood.
      • Tilghman Island Country Store – Sells take-out deli foods, sundries, and adult beverages. Hosts weekly wine tastings on Fridays.
  • Where can visitors shop on Tilghman Island?
    • Crawford’s Nautical Book Bank – Specializes in maritime-themed books, maps, and charts.
    • Fairbank’s Tackle – Sells fishing supplies and outdoor gear.
  • What outdoor activities are available on Tilghman Island?
    • Visitors can enjoy:
      • Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
      • Knapps Narrows Marina and Tilghman Island Marina offer equipment rentals, including kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes.
      • Chesapeake Bay Sailing Charters – Offers three daily sailing charters during summer, including private yachting and historic vessel sailing.
      • Fishing and crabbing are permitted with a valid Maryland fishing license.
      • Chesapeake Lights tour company offers boating tours of historic lighthouses and coastal structures.
  • Where can visitors stay on Tilghman Island?
    • The island offers a variety of inns and bed & breakfast accommodations, including:
      • Lazyjack Inn – Overlooks Dogwood Harbor.
      • Black Walnut Point Inn – Features an outdoor relaxation area with hammocks, Adirondack chairs, and a private dock.
      • Other accommodations include:
        • Tilghman Island Inn
        • Lowe’s Wharf Marina and Inn
        • Knapps Narrows Inn
        • Harrison’s House
      • For longer stays, vacation rentals include:
        • Hard Heads Cottage
        • Captain’s Watch
        • Tilghman Landing
  • Where can I find a map of Tilghman Island?
    • You can view a map of Tilghman Island by clicking here.

Map:


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